Benjamin Franklin Papers
Documents filtered by: Author="Deane, Silas" AND Author="Deane, Silas" AND Recipient="Williams, Jonathan, Jr." AND Period="Revolutionary War"
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-25-02-0123

The American Commissioners to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 November 1777

The American Commissioners to Jonathan Williams, Jr.4

Copy: Connecticut Historical Society

Paris Novr. 21. 1777.

Sir

You are desired to get from Capt. Adams a particular Account of his being taken,5 in which he must ascertain as exact as is in his Power at what distance he was from the Coast of France when he was first Chased and when he was actually taken. He must make oath to his narration and send it up to us by the first Courier. If you have knowledge of other Vessels taken by English Ships of War near the Coast of France I wish you to enquire into the particulars of their Capture, and at what distance it may have happened and send up the Account to the Commissioners. I am &c.

SD

Mr Williams

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

4Deane is clearly speaking for his colleagues.

5John Adams, in the Lynch, was captured on May 19, released in England, and then arrested again: above, XXIV, 22 n, 131. When he escaped we do not know, but he was in Nantes by late October: Deane Papers, II, 200.

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